Guide: secure data destruction when retiring IT equipment
How to retire IT equipment without the risk of data leaks: inventory, chain of custody, controlled destruction and documented proof.
Steps to follow
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Identify data carriers
Hard drives, SSDs, phones, tablets, servers, ATMs and network equipment can hold data even when they seem empty.
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Set an internal policy
Decide which media are wiped and which are physically destroyed, depending on data sensitivity and company requirements.
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Keep a chain of custody
Record who hands over the equipment, when and to whom. Avoid leaving it unattended.
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Choose a controlled process
Destruction must render storage media unusable, in a documented process.
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Ask for proof of destruction
Request the destruction record and archive it with the equipment inventory.
Common mistakes
- Treating a simple format as enough
- Donating or selling equipment without sanitising it
- No record of the equipment handed over
Checklist
- Inventory of data carriers
- Destruction policy
- Chain of custody
- Destruction record received
Informational guide. Exact legal requirements depend on your situation; consult the competent authorities or an environmental consultant.
Frequently asked questions
How does secure destruction work?
IT equipment and storage media are destroyed in a controlled process and you receive a destruction record. The resulting materials are recycled.
What documents do I get for ESG reporting?
Transport and handover documents, records by category and, for secure destruction, a destruction record. They support your own records; reporting remains your company’s responsibility.
Who do I contact for a quote?
Email info@weee-do-recycling.com with the waste type, quantity and pickup location.